Straightening machine for elongated workpieces

ABSTRACT

A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece including a base, a first series of axially spaced rolls mounted on said base, a second series of axially spaced rolls mounted in contiguous relationship to the first series on a pivotable frame which is pivotally mounted on said base and which includes a counterweight for biasing the second series of rolls toward the first series of rolls, and a third series of axially spaced rolls mounted on a pivotable carrier for movement toward and away from the first and second series of rolls so as to permit a workpiece to be admitted between the three series of rolls when the third series is in an away position and to thereafter move into engagement with the workpiece so that it is rolled by the three series of rolls and thereafter pushed through the space between the first and second series as a result of the continued movement of the third series of rolls toward the first and second series. The three series of rolls may include rolls having a steel hub and a plastic rim. Alternately the rolls may be fabricated entirely from plastic material. Electric circuit means are provided so as to pass an electric current through a workpiece while it is being rolled for testing purposes.

United States Patent Zopczyski [4 1 June 27, 11972 [54] STRAIGHTENINGMACHINE FOR ELONGATED WORKPIECES [72] Inventor: John F. Kopczyski, 1671Sweeney Street,

[57] ABSTRACT A machine for straightening an elongated workpieceincluding a base, a first series of axially spaced rolls mounted on saidbase, a second series of axially spaced rolls mounted in contiguousrelationship to the first series on a pivotable frame which is pivotallymounted on said base and which includes a counterweight for biasing thesecond series of rolls toward the first series of rolls, and a thirdseries of axially spaced rolls mounted on a pivotable carrier formovement toward and [52] U.S. Cl. ..l40/ 147, 72/ 1 l0, 72/DIG. 10 awayfrom the first and second series of rolls so as to permit a [51] ..B21t'1/02 w rkpiece to be admitted between the three series of rolls [58]Field of Search 140/147; 72/94, 110, DIG. 10 when the third se s s n ana ay position and to thereafter move into engagement with the workpieceso that it is rolled 5 References Cited by the three series of rolls andthereafter pushed through the space between the first and second seriesas a result of the UNITED STATES PATENTS continued movement of the thirdseries of rolls toward the first and second series. The three series ofrolls may include rolls 3,113,608 12/1963 Puyear ..72/l10 having a Steelhub and a plastic rim Alternately the rolls may Brannen be fabricatedentirely from p i material. Electric circuit means are provided so as topass an electric current through a Exammer Lwe" Larson workpiece whileit is being rolled for testing purposes. Attorney-Sommer, Weber & Gastel18 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures Q3 Q4: 4 4.? I l I l /-'25 4 7 51,2 57 50'48 4L; 1 1 1 as 41 In...) M/ r031 1/ .1

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ATTORNEYS.

STRAIGHTENING MACHINE FOR ELONGATED WORKPIECES I The present inventionrelates to an improved machine for straightening elongated wire-likeworkpieces by bending between rolls.

In copending application of John F. Kopczynski, Ser. No. 812,534, filedon Mar. 7, i969, now US. Pat. No. 3,625,263, a basic straighteningmachine was disclosed which bent an elongated workpiece by means ofthree series of rolls which were circumferentially spaced about theworkpiece. The machine of the present invention is an improvement over amachine of the foregoing type.

It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide animproved straightening machine which will rotate an elongated workpieceabout its own axis with good traction to effect straightening thereofwithout marring the workpiece.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedbending machine for straightening an elongated workpiece in which thevarious circumferentially spaced series of rolls between which theworkpiece is straightened are generally yieldable in the event of ajamming of the workpiece so as to prevent injury to the machine. Arelated object of the present invention is to provide an improvedstraightening machine in which the rolls themselves are made ofyieldable material to yield in the event of misalignment of theworkpiece so that jamming of a workpiece between the rolls can beavoided. A further related object of the present invention is to providean improved combing arrangement associated with the rolls to comb outany workpieces which may be jammed between the yieldable rolls, theyieldable rolls permitting release of a jammed workpiece due to theyielding nature of the rolls themselves, without injury to the rolls. Afurther related object of the present invention is to provide animproved straightening machine in which certain of the series of rollscan be separated quickly and easily from other of the series to provideaccess to the spaces between them, thereby to facilitate removal ofworkpieces which may become jammed in the rolls and to facilitateinspection and replacement of rolls.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedstraightening machine which can test a conductive workpiece during theprocess of straightening it so that both the straightening and thetesting can be performed simultaneously. A related object of the presentinvention is to provide an improved straightening machine in whichworkpieces which do not test within acceptable limits may be interceptedwhen they are discharged from the straightening rolls. Other objects andattendant advantages of the present invention will readily be perceivedhereafter.

The improved straightening machine of the present invention includes abase, a first series of axially spaced rolls mounted on the base, asecond series of axially spaced rolls mounted on a frame member which ispivotally mounted on the base so as to cause the second series of rollsto be capable of movement toward and away from the first series ofrolls, a weighted member on the frame member urging the second series ofrolls toward the first series of rolls, a third series of rolls mountedin contiguous relationship to the first and second series of rolls andadapted to be moved into radial overlapping relationship therewith, anoscillatable pivotable carrier mounted on the base and cyclicallycarrying the third series of rolls toward and away from the first andsecond series from a remote position wherein a workpiece is droppedbetween the three series of rolls to a position wherein it bends theworkpiece in conjunction with the other two series of rolls andthereafter forces the workpiece out from between the first and secondseries of rolls by causing the pivotable frame member to yield when theworkpiece is pushed between the first and second series of rolls. Therolls can be of any material but preferably are either fabricatedentirely of a resilient plastic material or comprise plastic rimsmounted on metal cores. A comb arrangement may be provided betweencertain of the rolls to comb out any workpieces which may be stucktherebetween. Furthermore, means may be provided in association with therolls for conducting an electric current through a workpiece for testingpurposes simultaneously with the rolling.

The various aspects of the present invention will be more fullyunderstood when the following portions of the specification are read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one embodiment of theimproved straightening machine of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine of FIG. 1 with certainparts omitted in the interest of clarity;

FIG. 2a is a fragmentary plan view of the weighted portion of the upperpivotable frame of the machine;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the positions the various seriesof rolls of the machine assume during loading of the workpiece;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the positions the seriesof rolls assume during the straightening of the workpiece;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the positions which theseries of rolls assume during the discharge of the workpiece after ithas been straightened;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view with parts omitted in theinterest of simplicity showing an embodiment which includes rolls havingconductive peripheries for passing a current through a workpiece beingstraightened;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the straightening rollsused in all of the preceding embodiments having an annular plastic rimor tire mounted on the metal central portion thereof;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view showing the manner in which an outerconductive silver ring is mounted on a metal roll with an insulatingring therebetween for the purpose of conducting electricity to aworkpiece;

FIG. 9 shows a roll which is made entirely of plastic and can besubstituted in the embodiment of FIG. 6 for rolls such as those shown inFIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing keyways milledacross the faces of the rolls such as shown in FIG. 7 for the purpose ofreceiving cement to provide a good tight bond between the cement and theroll to prevent slipping of the outer peripheral rim portion;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the manner inwhich the outer silver rim of FIG. 8 is secured to the plasticinsulating ring;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a roll configuration with end rollsomitted for the purpose of permitting a bent wire to rotate duringstraightening without being crushed by rolls in this area;

FIG. 12a is a schematic view similar to FIG. 12 but showing another rollarrangement with the rolls of each series being of alternating smallerand larger diameter and the end rolls being composite rolls of smallerand larger diameter to prevent catching of a bent end portion of a wiretherebetween;

FIG. 13 is a view showing a cascading type of delivery chute associatedwith the exit side of the straightening machine and including a motoroperated gate arrangement for intercepting rejects and dumping them intoa receptacle;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a control arrangement which may beassociated with the gate assembly of FIG. 13 and also shows astraightened electronic component, such as a diode, located between therolls of the machine;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an altemate embodimentof the present invention, partially in cross section, and showingespecially an arrangement of a frame structure which permits the drivinggears to be placed in a substantially straight line, this figure alsoshowing combs between the rolls of certain of the series of rolls forremoving workpieces which may be jammed between the rolls;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the relationship between the drivinggears of the embodiment of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken generally along line 17-17 ofFIG. 15 and showing the configuration of the combs and also showinginsulation mounted on the sides of the pivotable top frame of themachine;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary cross sectional view showing the shaft assemblywhich may be used for mounting various of the series of rolls;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of a preferred arrangement of aseries of rolls which is fabricated from machined polyurethane andincludes a metal liner hub;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a preferred mating roll series foruse with the rolls series of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a view of the third roll series used with the roll series ofFIGS. 19 and 20; and

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view, partially in cross section, of abending machine similar to the machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing acam arrangement for cyclically varying the space between the first andsecond series of rolls.

The straightening machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a base 11 having adrive shaft 12 suitably joumalled thereon which is driven from asuitable motor source (not shown) which may be a motor mounted relativeto base 11 or a belt drive. Keyed to shaft 12 is a sprocket wheel 13which is engaged by toothed belt 14 which in turn also engages toothedsprocket wheels 15 and 16. Sprocket wheel 15 is mounted on shaft 16which is joumalled in standards 17 and 18 extending upwardly from base11. Sprocket wheel 16 is mounted on shaft 19 which has opposite endsthereof joumalled in standards 20 and 21 extending upwardly from base 1l on opposite sides of the machine. Effectively keyed to shaft 19 arespaced rolls or discs 22 which are separated by spacers (not shown)which are analogous to the spacers on the other shafts describedhereafter. It will be appreciated that as shaft 19 is driven by belt 14,rolls 22 will be driven with it. The exact structural characteristics ofrolls 22 will be described in greater detail hereafter.

A pivotable upper frame member 23 includes an upper elongated arm-likeportion 24 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a) which extends from rear elongated portion25 and carries a weight 26 at its end. Spaced arms 27 and 28 extenddownwardly from portion 25 and are pivotally mounted on pins 29 and 30,respectively. Pin 29 extends through arm 27 and standards 21 and 21'which extend upwardly from base 11. Pin 30 extends through arm 28 andstandards 20 and 20" which extend upwardly from base 11. Pins 29 and 30are held in position by retaining screws 31 and 32. It can readily beseen that frame 23 can thus pivot about the centers of aligned shafts 29and 30. Coaxially mounted on shaft 30 is an idler gear 33 which isdriven by gear 34 keyed to shaft 19. Idler gear 33 drives gear 35 whichis keyed to shaft 36 which is joumalled in arm 28 on one side of themachine and in arm 27 on the other. Thus shaft 36 will pivot with frame23. It is to be noted that since idler gear 33 is mounted coaxially withthe center of pivotal movement of arms 27 and 28, there is a drivingrelationship between gears 34, 33 and 35 without frictional resistancewhich would otherwise be occasioned by pivotal action of frame 23. Aplurality of disc-like rolls 37 are keyed to shaft 36 with spacers 38therebetween. Rolls 37 are in axial alignment with disc-like rolls 22keyed to shaft 19, as can best be seen from FIG. 2. The exactrelationship between rolls 22 and 37 will be described in greater detailhereafter.

A carrier frame 40, includes a lower arm-like portion 39, pivotallymounted on shaft or pin 41 which is mounted in opposed standards 20 and21. The upper part of carrier includes spaced portions 42 and 43 whichjournal the ends of shaft 44 on which disc-like rolls 45 are mountedwith spacers 46 therebetween. An ear 47 extends outwardly from thecentral portion 39 of carrier 40 and it receives pin 48 which alsoextends through spaced legs 49 of U-shaped bracket 50 to effect apivotal mounting therewith. A screw-like member 51 in the nature of aturnbuckle has oppositely threaded portions 52 and 53 which are receivedin mating tapped holes in bracket 50 and block 54. It will beappreciated that when screw 51 is turned, the distance between bracket50 and block 54 can be varied by causing them to approach or recede fromeach other. Block 54 in turn is pivotally mounted on crank pin 55 whichis eccentrically mounted on disc 56 which is driven by shaft 16. Thus,block 54 is eccentrically mounted to cause oscillation of U-shapedmember 50 back and forth to thus cause carrier 40 to oscillate back andforth about shaft 41 and thus cause the series of rolls 45 to movetoward and away from the series of rolls 22 and 38.

The component which is to be straightened by machine 10 may be a diode57 such as shown in FIG. 14 which includes a central portion 58 andwires 59 extending from opposite sides thereof. During the fabricationprocess of components 57, wires 59 are usually bent into shapes otherthan straight members. However, as a final process it is desirable tohave these straight and in alignment with each other and it is for thispurpose that the machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 is used. However, it will beappreciated that the present machine may be used for straightening anytype of wire or rod-like member.

In order to load components 57 into machine 10 any suitable type ofloading arrangement may be used which may include a cascading type offeed hopper such as 60 shown in FIG. 13. While hopper 60 is shown on theoutlet side of the machine in FIG. 13, it will be appreciated that itcan be used in conjunction with the inlet side of the machine in FIG. 1.

During oscillation of carrier 40 a point will be reached when the seriesof rolls 45 (FIG. 3) are in a position which is as far to the left asthey will go. At this time there is a space 61 between roll 45 and 37and it is into this space that component 57 is dropped and it will cometo rest at the vertex 62 between rolls 22 and 37. Thereafter, theoscillation of carrier 40 will move rolls 45 in a clockwise direction tothe position shown in FIG. 4 wherein rolls 22, 45 and 37 engage wires 59to straighten them. Continued movement of carrier 40 in a clockwisedirection will cause it to move rolls 45 to the position shown in FIG. 5wherein they force component 57 through the space between rolls 22 and37 so that it will drop outwardly as shown by arrow 63.

As noted above, rolls 37 pivot about the axis of shafts 30 and 29because rolls 37 are mounted on frame 23. Frame 23 will be caused topivot in a clockwise direction when rolls 45 force workpiece 57 throughrolls 22 and 37. The yielding action of rolls 37 which is thus obtainedproduces sufficient clearance between rolls 37 and 22 to permit theworkpiece 57 to pass therebetween. Before the pivoting movement of frame23 the clearance between rolls 22 and 37 is insufficient for workpiece57 to pass therebetween. The amount of resistance to the pivotalmovement of frame 23 is determined by the weight of counterweightportion 26 mounted at the outer end of arm 24 and this weight may bechanged for different workpieces. Furthermore, the amount of initialclearance between rolls 37 and 22 is determined by the position ofbumper 64 which can be adjusted upwardly or downwardly by turning saidbumper which is mounted on a screw 65 which is received in standard 18.Nut 66 secures bumper 64 in its adjusted position. The counterbalanceprovided by weight 64 also permits the yielding of frame 23 and rolls 37in the event for some reason there is a jamming due to the workpiece 57being caught between the rolls. Furthermore, the use of a pivotal frame23 also facilitates quick and easy manual movement of the rolls 37 awayfrom rolls 22 and 45 in the event there is a jamming of any sort, or forinspection or replacement.

The relationship between rolls 22, 37 and 45 may be the same as any ofthe relationships discussed in detail in copending application of JohnF. Kopczynski, Ser. No. 812,534, filed Mar. 7, 1969, and now U.S. Pat.No. 3,625,263. In this respect, as can be seen from FIG. 12, rolls 37may be in axial alignment with rolls 22, this also being shown in FIG.2. Furthermore, rolls 37 may all be of the same diameter; and rolls 22may be of the same diameter. In FIG. 12 there is a space 67 at the endof the series of rolls. In the event that the workpiece has a bent end68, it will be permitted to whip around without being wedged in betweenany of the rolls 22,

37 or 45. From FIGS. 12 and 2 it can be seen that the central portion 58of the workpiece will be supported by roll 68 so that it does not whiparound excessively. If desired, roll 68' may be of such a dimension thatit tends to overbend the portions of wires 59 which are adjacent tocentral portion 58. This is done by making roll 68 of a size wherein ittends to press portion 58 toward the exit space between rolls 22 and 37and this being the case it will be appreciated that as portion 58rotates it will tend to produce a bending action on the portions ofwires 59 adjacent thereto.

In FIG. 12a another arrangement of rolls is shown. In this arrangementthere are rolls 37 and 37' coaxially mounted on one of the shafts suchas 36. Rolls 37' are of slightly smaller diameter than rolls 37.Coaxially mounted on a shaft such as 19 are rolls 22 and 22'. Rolls 22are of slightly smaller diameter than rolls 22. As can be seen from FIG.12a, rolls 22 are opposed to rolls 37, and rolls 37 are opposed to rolls22. Rolls 45 are the same as rolls 45 of FIG. 12 and bear an analogousrelationship to the remainder of the rolls with which they areassociated. Rolls 45 are all of the same diameter, and, as shown, are ofslightly larger diameter than the other two series of rolls. By virtueof the fact that smaller diameter rolls are in opposition to largerdiameter rolls in the embodiment of FIG. 12a, as the workpiece isrotated, the axial portions on wires 59 will be bent back and forth toprovide an overbending action and thus erase any memory" of the wirewhich would tend to return it to its original shape after straighteningwas completed. It will be appreciated that the overbending occurs duringthe time that maximum pressure is exerted on the workpieces and as suchpressure is relieved the straightening action is effected. As theworkpiece leaves the rolls while they separate, the overbending actionwill diminish and the wires will remain in a straightened condition. Thebasic concept behind this particular arrangement for straightening wiresor other elongated workpieces was set forth in greater detail in theabove mentioned copending application Ser. No. 812,534, now US. Pat. No.3,625,263.

It is to be noted that the embodiment of FIG. 12a includes end rolls 70and 71 Coaxially mounted on a shaft such as 36 and end rolls 72 and 73coaxially mounted on a shaft such as 19. All of these end rolls arecomposites in that they each have a smaller diameter portion which isequal to the diameter of either rolls 37 or 22 and a larger diameterportion which is equal to the diameter of rolls 22 or 37. The smallerand larger diameter portion of each composite roll are coaxial. Betweenthese smaller and larger portions on each composite roll is a mergingportion which merges the larger diameter portions to the smallerdiameter portions. These composite rolls 70-73 are capable of providingan overbending action in the same manner as the single rolls with whichthey are associated. The advantage of these composite rolls is that abent end such as 68 shown in FIG. 12 cannot be caught between adjacentsmaller and larger rolls because these spaces are nonexistent in thatthey are filled by a portion which merges the smaller diameter rollportions to the larger diameter roll portions.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, all of therolls described above, namely, rolls 22, 37 and 45. as well as rolls 22'and 37' are fabricated from a steel central hub portion and mount aplastic rim or tire, which in this case is comprised of polyurethanehaving a shore hardness of 75 on the B scale. However, it will beappreciated that any other suitable plastic or non-metal rim can beused. In the embodiments shown, rolls 37 (FIG. 7) include a steel hub 74and mount a polyurethane ring or tire 75 on their outer periphery. Rolls45 each include a steel hub or core 76 and mount a plastic rim or tire77 on its peripheries. Rolls 22 each include a steel hub or core 78 andmount a plastic rim or tire 79 on its peripheries. While the structuraldetails of construction are shown only for rolls 37 (FIG. 7), it will beappreciated that rolls 22 and 45 have analogous constructions. Theadvantages of effecting the bending by means of plastic peripheries onthe rolls is to provide improved traction; provide greater resilience soas not to damage the workpiece by permitting the plastic tires to yieldin the event that the workpieces are oversize; and also to provideelectrical insulation between the wire being straightened and the rolls.The cross section of rolls such as 22 and 37 and 45 are shown in FIG. 7wherein the plastic tire or rim 75 is secured to core 74 by means ofepoxy cement 80 which is held within an annular groove on the peripheryof core or hub 74. A preferred construction for retaining outer rim ortire 75 on core 74 is shown in FIG. 10 wherein the epoxy cement 80 notonly lies in annular groove 81 but also fills out milled slots 82 whichextend across the opposed spaces of core 74. Thus, in essence the epoxyadhesive forms keys 83 which are integral with the band 80 of the epoxyadhesive to thereby provide added resistance against slipping of theadhesive. If desired, all of the rolls such as 22, 37 and 45 may befabricated completely of suitable plastic such as the polyurethanediscussed above. Such rolls are shown at 84 in FIG. 9.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to provideapparatus for testing the workpieces, such as components 57, while theirwire portions 59 are being straightened. The apparatus for effectingsuch testing is partially shown in FIG. 6 wherein a plurality of rollssuch as 22", which are analogous to rolls 22 of FIG. 1 are mounted on ashaft 19 extending between spaced standards 85 and 86. Rolls 22" may beidentical in construction to the rolls described above in FIGS. 3-5 and7-9. However, at the outer end portions of shaft 19' rolls 87 aremounted (FIG. 8). These rolls 87 include a steel hub or core 88 mountingan insulating plastic ring 89 which in turn mounts an outer silver band90. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 11, plastic band 89 is secured tocore 88 by means of epoxy adhesive 91 which forms an annular band inannular groove 92 of hub 88. Keyways 93 are formed in hub 88 to receiveepoxy cement and thus prevent ring 91 from slipping. The outer silverring is secured to the outer surface of annular band 89 in an analogousmanner by providing an annular groove 94 in insulating ring 89, saidgroove receiving an annular ring of epoxy cement 95 therein.Furthermore, cylindrical holes 96 are drilled through silver band 90from side to side to receive the epoxy cement and thus effectivelyprovide keys for preventing slipping of said band relative to ring 90.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, insulating blocks 97 and 98 mount conductors99 and 100, respectively, which engage silver rings 90. Electrical leads101 conduct electrical current to conductors 99 and 100. It will readilybe appreciated that as shaft 19' rotates, continuous electrical contactwill be maintained with rings 90 of rolls 87 through the above describedstructure. When a workpiece, such as 57, is placed in bridgingrelationship between rolls 87, as shown in FIG. 14, electrical currentcan be passed through it while it is being subjected to thestraightening action. During this time information can be obtained as toits electrical resistance characteristics so that in the event that itdoes not test properly, appropriate action can be taken. It will furtherbe appreciated that if for any reason the workpiece should requireheating during the straightening, this can be effected by applyingcurrent thereto by the use of the same type of apparatus as shown inFIGS. 6 and 14.

A modified arrangement of the subject matter of FIG. 6 is shown in FIG.14 wherein a control arrangement 102 is provided for applying electriccurrent to conductors 99 and by means of leads 103 and 104. Theanalyzing controller 102 also includes required electric circuitry whichwill measure the resistance of the workpiece 57. If it falls withincertain limits, it will be permitted to drop out from between the rolls,in the manner shown in FIG. 5, without being intercepted. However, iffor any reason it does not measure up to specifications, solenoid valve105 will be energized to cause compressed air to be supplied to airmotor 106 from supply line 107 through conduit 108. This will causepiston 109 to move upwardly against the bias of spring 1 10 to pivotgate 1 11 about axis 112 from its solid line position shown in FIG. 13to its dotted line position. This will cause the rejected workpiece toland on gate 1 ll 1, and thereafter when it returns to its solid lineposition the workpiece will fall into receptacle 1 13 attached to theside of the machine by means of brackets 1 l4.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, a cascade outlet chute 115 is provided atthe outlet of the rolls. This cascading outlet includes a plurality ofelongated members 116 and 117 which have length extending perpendicularto the plane of the drawing which is at least as long as workpiece 57 sothat as the workpieces drop down, they will contact each of thesecascading elements downwardly in sequence so as to tend to straightenthe workpiece so that it eventually falls in a perfectly horizontalattitude. This facilitates the stacking of the workpieces.

It will be appreciated that the control arrangement can be veryrudimentary if the machine is to be operated slowly. In this respect, anohmmeter can be placed in lines 103 or 104 and the resistance of theworkpiece can be measured during bending. If it falls within anacceptable range it can be permitted to pass into delivery chute 60. Ifthe reading is outside of the acceptable range, a valve such as 105 canbe actuated manually to swing gate 111 to an intercepting position.

In FIGS. -18 another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.This embodiment encompasses the same basic principles of operation asthe embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. Furthermore, it can mount any of therolls of the types enumerated above. Basically, this embodiment has twofeatures which are not shown in the preceding drawings. The firstfeature is that the drive train is practically horizontal so that theequipment may be built lower. In this respect a belt 120 extends from asource of motion such as an electric motor (not shown) and encirclessprocket 121 mounted on shaft 122. A gear 123, which shown in FIG. 16but not in FIG. 15, is mounted on shaft 122 and is in mesh with a gear124 mounted on shaft 125. Gear 124 in turn is in mesh with gear 126which is mounted on shaft 127 which also mounts rolls such as 22 of FIG.1 and end rolls 87 such as described above in FIGS. 8 and 14. Gear 126is in mesh with idler gear 128 which is mounted on shaft 129 journalledon the wall 130 of the machine. Gear 128 in turn is in mesh with gear131 mounted on shaft 132 which also mounts rolls such as 37 describedabove. A carriage 133 is pivotally mounted on shaft 134 secured to wall130. Carriage 133 is analogous to carriage 40 of FIG. 1 and operates inthe same manner, namely, by being pivoted to link 134' about pivot 135,link 134 including an adjusting turnbuckle-like mechanism 136 which issecured to block 137 which is pivotally mounted on pin 138 located ineccentric driving relationship with shaft 122. It will thus be seen thatcarriage 133 will oscillate back and forth like carriage 40 of FIG. 1.The limit of oscillation in a clockwise direction will be controlled bythe adjustment of screw 139, the lower end of which abuts ledge 140.

The upper pivotable frame 141 of the machine may be identical to thatshown in FIG. 1 and designated as upper frame 23. This frame includes acounterweight portion 142 at the outer end thereof which mounts screw143 carrying bumper 144. By the adjustment of bumper 144, the at restposition of upper frame 141 can be adjusted, and with this theadjustment of rolls 37 inasmuch as shaft 132 is mounted between spacedears 145 which are pivotally secured to base 130 by pins 129. One pin129 extends through spaced standards 130 and 155' and the other earextends between spaced standards 130 and 154' (FIG. 17). Rolls such as45 are mounted on shaft 146, the opposite ends of which are journalledin spaced ears 147 forming a part of carriage 133, ears 147 beinganalogous to members 42 and 43 of FIG. 2.

Plastic plates 148 line the sides 149 and 150 of upper pivotal frame141. I-Iopper portions 151 and 152 extend between plates 148 to guidethe workpieces downwardly into working position between the rolls. Sideplates 148 are fabricated from plastic so that the workpieces will beinsulated from the metal parts of the machine. Furthermore, as can beseen from FIG. 15, the side plates 148 are of a modified hourglassconfiguration and include a left edge 153 and a right edge 154 and abottom edge 155. It will be appreciated that hopper 156 can be built inthe form of a cascader such as 60 shown in FIG. 13 so as toautomatically align the workpieces in a horizontal attitude for properdelivery to the rolls.

An arrangement is shown for mounting a shaft such as 127 on the sidewalls of the machine. The mounting consists of shaft 127 having bearing156 and 157 mounted thereon and held against outward movement by C-rings158. Proximate bearing 156 is a gear such as 126 which is held inposition by a nut 159. On the opposite side of shaft 127 a nut 160 isthreaded which is locked in position by a set screw 161.

In FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 preferred alternate types of roll assemblies areshown. Roll assembly 162 consists of a hollow annular metal sleeve 163pressed within hub 164 which is formed integrally with rolls or discs165, 166, 167, 168 and 169. The entire roll arrangement which is mountedon sleeve 163 is fabricated from a block of polyurethane material havinga shore hardness of 75 on the D scale by suitable machining procedures.It can be seen that rolls 165 are of smaller diameter than rolls 166. Ina model that was actually made the diameter of rolls 165 was 2.490inches and the diameter of rolls 166 was 2.510 inches. The outer rolls167 are also of a diameter of 2.510 inches. Rolls 168 and 169 arecomposite having portions 168' and 169 which are of the above mentionedsmaller diameter and portions 168 and 169 which are of the abovementioned larger diameter. Roll assembly 162 is intended to be mountedin the machine such as shown in FIG. 1 on a shaft such as 19. It will beappreciated that the roll assembly 162 can be made of any suitableplastic material.

In FIG. 20 a roll assembly 170 is shown which is adapted to be mountedin a location in FIG. 1 as on shaft 36. Assembly 170 includes smallerdiameter rolls 171 and larger diameter rolls 172, with rolls 171 beingof the above mentioned 2.490 inch diameter and rolls 172 being of the2.510 inch diameter. It will readily be appreciated that rolls 171, ofsmaller diameter, are in alignment withrolls 166, of larger diameter,and that rolls 172 of larger diameter are in alignment with rolls 165 ofsmaller diameter. Furthermore, roll assembly 170 includes compositerolls 173 and 174, as well as outer rolls 175. Rolls 175 are of theabove mentioned smaller diameter and they are located in opposition tolarger diameter rolls 167 of roll assembly 162. The composite rolls 173and 174 include smaller diameter portions 173' and 174, respectively,and larger diameter portions 173" and 174", respectively. It can be seenthat rolls 168 and 169 are in opposition to rolls 173 and 174,respectively, with the larger diameter portions in opposition with thesmaller diameter portions. Because of the alignment of the smallerdiameter rolls with the larger diameter rolls the overbending actiondescribed in detail above is obtained. Furthermore, it is to be notedthat the composite rolls 168, 169, 173 and 174 are located at thecentral portions of the shaft and thus will prevent parts from gettingjammed in between separate rolls, if such were used. The roll assembly170 is fabricated from a block of plastic in the same manner as rollassembly 162.

In FIG. 21 a third roll assembly 177 is shown and this roll is adaptedto be mounted in the machine of FIG. 1 on shaft 44 on the swingingcarriage 40. This roll is fabricated in the same manner as rollassemblies 162 and 170, namely, it is machined from a block ofpolyurethane material and is mounted on steel annular sleeve 178 by apress-fit. This roll assembly includes rolls 179 which are of a diameterof 0.2750" throughout the length of the roll and they fit into thespaces between rolls 171 and 172 of FIG. 20 and in the spaces betweenrolls 165 and 166 of FIG. 19 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 1relative to the rolls depicted therein. Roll assembly 177 includes acentral enlarged roll 180 which is loosely mounted on the hub portion181 and roll 180 is adapted to engage the portion 58 of workpiece 57(FIG. 14). It can be seen that a relatively large space 182 exists onboth sides of roll 180 to accommodate rolls 173 and 168 on one side and,to also accommodate rolls 169 and 174 on the other side. Because of theexistence of spaces 182 it will be seen that there will be clearance forportion 58 of the workpiece in the event if for any reason it is droppedinto position and is misaligned so that portion 58 is not engaged byroll 180 but is laterally removed therefrom so that it is engaged byeither rolls 173 or 174 or rolls 168 or 169, respectively, in alignmenttherewith. It will be appreciated that if for any reason spaces 182 werenot provided, the workpiece would be crushed whereas with the spacesprovided this does not occur. In view of the fact that the rolls 162,170 and 177 are made from polyurethane material, they can yieldlaterally in the event that a workpiece tends to become jammed betweenthe rolls thereby tending to obviate injury to either the rolls or tothe workpiece. In this respect a roll such as 171, 172, 165 or 166 canyield laterally the entire distance to an adjacent roll and then returnto its normal position shown in the drawings when the force is released.

Furthermore, it is to be noted from FIGS. 15 and 17 that a comb assembly184 is secured to the base of the machine and includes tines 185 whichextend up between rolls 122. Furthermore, a comb assembly 186 is securedto the upper pivotal frame 144 and includes tines 187 which arepositioned between rolls 37 in the same manner that tines 185 arepositioned between rolls 22. It will be appreciated that when rollassemblies such as 162 and 170 of FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively, aremounted on a machine such as shown in FIG. 15, with comb assemblies 184and 186, that in the event a workpiece is stuck between the rolls, therolls may be yieldable when the tines engage the workpiece to permit theworkpiece to be released from its jamming engagement with the rolls,without injury to the rolls.

In FIG. 22 a still further modified bending machine 190 is shown. Thisembodiment for all practical purposes is extremely similar to theembodiment of the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore, only arelatively schematic side view has been shown in the interest ofbrevity. Basically machine 190 includes a base 191 and a pair of spacedupstanding side walls 192 and 193 located one behind the other. Shafts194, 195 and 196 are essentially journalled between side walls 192 and193. A source of rotation such as shaft 12 of FIG. 1 is provided fordriving a gear (not shown) on shaft 195 which is in mesh with a gear(not shown) mounted on shaft 196 which in turn is in mesh with a gear(not shown) mounted on shaft 197. The gears have been omitted in theinterest of simplicity but operate in the same manner as gears 34, 33and 35 of FIG. 1. Axially spaced rolls such as 22 are mounted on shaft195 and rolls such as 37 are mounted on shaft 197. Shaft 197 is mountedbetween spaced arms 198 which are mounted on shaft 196 in the samemanner as arms 28 of FIG. 1. Spaced arms 198 form the lower portion ofpivotable frame 199 which is analogous to pivotable frame 23 of FIG. 1.A weight 200 is located at the outer end of frame 199. As can be seen, ashaft 201 is mounted on machine 190 in an analogous manner to shaft 16'of FIG. 2, and this shaft carries a disc 202 which mounts an eccentricpin 203 on which block 204 is mountedwhich in turn receives one end of aturnbuckle-like screw 205, the other end of which is received inU-shaped member 206 which may be the same as member 50 of FIG. 2. Ashaft or pin 207 extends through the spaced arms 208 of U-shaped member206 and also passes through ear 209 which is analogous to ear 47 of FIG.2. Ear 209 extends outwardly from carrier 210 which is pivotally mountedon shaft 194 and carries a plurality of axially spaced rolls 45 betweenspaced arm portions 211, rolls 45 being mounted on shaft 212 extendingbetween spaced arms 21 1.

Up to this point the structure of bending machine 190 is extremelysimilar to the structure of machine of FIGS. 1, 2, and 17. However, inthe structure of FIG. 22 the workpiece is not forced outwardly betweenrolls 22 and 37 as it is in those figures. In this embodiment a cam 213is keyed to shaft 201 and rotates therewith. An adjustable cam follower214 is mounted on slide 215 on pivotable frame 199 so that the latterrises and falls in following the cam. The position of slide 215 isadjustable by moving it in slot 216 and thereafter tightening screw 217.In the position shown in FIG. 22 the cam has raised carrier 199 to itsuppermost position so as to provide a relatively large space betweenrolls 22 and 37. With continued rotation of the cam, the rolls 37 willapproach rolls 22 prior to the insertion of a workpiece between thethree series of rolls.

At this time rolls 45 which are mounted on carrier 210 will be in aposition similar that shown in FIG. 3 so as to permit a workpiece todrop between the series of rolls. In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the campositively separates the rolls 22 and 37 so as to obviate the necessityfor forcing the workpiece through it. In addition to this, it is to benoted that in the event a workpiece gets jammed, the fact that there isno positive connection between the cam follower 214 and 213 will permitcarrier frame 199 to pivot in a clockwise direction to provide a largerspacing between rolls 22 and 37. It is to be noted from the position ofpin 203 and cam 213 in FIG. 22 that the rolls 37 are caused to move awayfrom rolls 22 while rolls 45 are being moved in a counterclockwisedirection about shaft 194. In other words, the rolls 22 and 37 may becaused to remain relatively close to each other while the rolls 45effect the overbending and subsequent bending of the workpiece. Theoverbending is efiected when rolls 45 reach their limit of clockwisetravel and the bending is achieved as rolls 45 recede from theworkpiece, and immediately thereafter rolls 37 will move away from rolls22 to permit the workpiece to drop through the space therebetween. Anyof the rolls described above can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 22.

What is claimed is:

l. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base,first shaft means mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedlyand coaxially mounted on said first shaft means, second shaft meanslaterally offset from said first shaft means and extending insubstantially the same direction as said first shaft means, a series ofsecond rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls,third shaft means laterally offset from said first and second shaftmeans and extending in substantially the same direction as said firstand second shaft means, a series of third rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said third shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationshi to the peripheries of said first and second rolls to receivea workpiece to be straightened, said first and second and third rollsincluding resilient plastic peripheries, axially spaced fourth rolls onsaid third shaft means having conductive outer rims for contactingspaced portions of a workpiece, and conductor means in engagement withsaid spaced fourth rims for conducting electricity through a metallicworkpiece in engagement therewith.

2. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said plastic peripheries on each of said rolls comprisesan annular tire-like member.

3. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said first, second, and third rolls are fabricatedsubstantially entirely of plastic.

4. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base,first shaft means mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedlyand coaxially mounted on said first shaft means, second shaft meanslaterally offset from said first shaft means and extending insubstantially the same direction as said first shaft means, a series ofsecond rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls,third shaft means laterally offset from said first and second shaftmeans and extending in substantially the same direction as said firstand second shaft means, a series of third rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said third shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to the peripheries of said first and second rolls toreceive a workpiece to be straightened, said first and second and thirdrolls including resilient plastic peripheries, both said first andsecond series of rolls comprising alternating rolls of first and seconddiameter with said rolls of said first diameter being slightly largerthan the rolls of said second diameter, and said rolls of said firstdiameter of said first series being positioned in opposition to saidrolls of said second diameter of said second series and said rolls ofsaid first diameter of said second series being positioned in oppositionto said rolls of said second diameter of said first series.

5. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 4 including composite rolls on at least two of said shafts inopposition to each other, said composite rolls have portions of saidsmaller diameter located in opposition to portions of said largerdiameter.

6. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 5 wherein said first, second, third and composite rolls arefabricated substantially entirely of plastic.

7. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base,first shaft means mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedlyand coaxially mounted on said first shaft means, second shaft meanslaterally offset from said first shaft means and extending insubstantially the same direction as said first shaft means, a series ofsecond rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls,third shaft means laterally offset from said first and second shaftmeans and extending in substantially the same direction as said firstand second shaft means, a series of third rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said third shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to the peripheries of said first and second rolls toreceive a workpiece to be straightened, said first and second and thirdrolls including resilient plastic peripheries, said plastic peripherieson each of said rolls comprising an annular tire-like member, axiallyspaced fourth rolls on said third shaft means having conductive outerrims for contacting spaced portions of a workpiece, and conductor meansin engagement with said spaced fourth rims for conducting electricitythrough a metallic workpiece in engagement therewith.

8. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 7 comprising first adhesive means between said rolls and saidannular tire-like members and first cutaway portions in said rolls foradmitting adhesive to provide key-like connections therebetween,insulating rings between said fourth rims and the remainder of saidfourth rolls, second cutaway portions between said outer conductive rimsand said insulating rings and between said insulating rings and saidfourth rolls, and second adhesive means between said fourth rims andsaid insulating rings and the remainder of said fourth rolls with saidsecond adhesive means being received in said second cutaway portions todefine key-like connections therewith.

9. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 1 including gate means effectively located between said first andsecond rolls at the outlet portion thereof, motor means coupled to saidgate means, and control means for selectively energizing said motormeans to cause said gate means to assume a position wherein it receivesa discharged workpiece and conveys it in a predetermined path.

10, A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising abase, a first shaft mounted on said base, a series of first rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said first shaft, a second shaftlaterally ofi'set from said first shaft and extending in substantiallythe same direction as said first shaft, a series of second rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft with theirperipheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls, a thirdshaft laterally offset from said first and second shafts and extendingin substantially the same direction as said first and second shafts, aseries of third rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said third shaftwith their peripheries in contiguous relationship with said first andsecond rolls to define an opening between said first and second andthird rolls to receive a workpiece to be straightened, means for drivingsaid third rolls toward and away from said first and second rolls toprovide an opening for receiving said workpiece and to cause said thirdrolls to move into engagement with said workpiece, and yieldable meansfor biasing said second rolls toward said first rolls while permittingsaid second rolls to yield away from said first rolls upon forcing ofsaid workpiece through the space therebetween by said third rolls duringits motion toward said first and second rolls.

11. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 10 including cam means for cyclically causing said second rolls tomove toward and away from said first rolls.

12. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said yieldable means comprises a lever pivotallymounted relative to said base means and rotatably mounting said secondrolls.

13. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 10 including means for driving said first and second rolls.

14. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said third shaft means are mounted on a second lever,second pivot means for pivotally mounting said second lever relative tosaid base, and wherein said means for driving said third rolls towardand away from said first and second rolls comprises an eccentric drivemounted relative to said base, link means coupling said eccentric driveto said second lever, and means for varying the length of said linkmeans to adjust the throw of said third rolls.

15. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 12 including stop means for limiting the movement of said lever ina first direction to thereby determine the spacing between said secondand first rolls, and means for adjusting the position of said stop meansthereby to adjust the spacing between said second and first rolls.

16. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising abase, a first shaft mounted on said base, a series of first rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said first shaft, a second shaftlaterally offset from said first shaft and extending in substantiallythe same direction as said first shaft, a series of second rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft with theirperipheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls, a thirdshaft laterally offset from said first and second shafts and extendingin substantially the same direction as said first and second shafts, aseries of third rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said third shaftwith their peripheries in contiguous relationship with said first andsecond rolls to define an opening between said first and second andthird rolls to receive a workpiece to be straightened, means for drivingcertain of said rolls, and comb means extending upwardly between certainof said rolls for combing out any workpieces which may become jammedtherebetween.

17. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth inclaim 10 wherein said comb means extend between said first and secondrolls.

18. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising abase, a plurality of adjacent shaft means mounted in substantiallyparallel relationship on said base, spaced roll means mounted in coaxialrelationship on said shaft means with the peripheries of said roll meanson said adjacent shaft means being in contiguous relationship to eachother to receive a workpiece therebetween, said roll means includingresilient plastic peripheries, axially spaced additional roll means oncertain of said shaft means having conductive outer rims for contactingspaced portions of a workpiece, and conductor means in engagement withsaid outer rims for conducting electricity through said workpiece inengagement therewith.

1. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base,first shaft means mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedlyand coaxially mounted on said first shaft means, second shaft meanslaterally offset from said first shaft means and extending insubstantially the same direction as said first shaft means, a series ofsecond rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls,third shaft means laterally offset from said first and second shaftmeans and extending in substantially the same direction as said firstand second shaft means, a series of third rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said third shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to the peripheries of said first and second rolls toreceive a workpiece to be straightened, said first and second and thirdrolls including resilient plastic peripheries, axially spaced fourthrolls on said third shaft means having conductive outer rims forcontacting spaced portions of a workpiece, and conductor means inengagement with said spaced fourth rims for conducting electricitythrough a metallic workpiece in engagement therewith.
 2. A machine forstraightening an elongated workpiece as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid plastic peripheries on each of said rolls comprises an annulartire-like member.
 3. A machine for straightening an elongated workpieceas set forth in claim 1 wherein said first, second, and third rolls arefabricated substantially entirely of plastic.
 4. A machine forstraightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base, first shaftmeans mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedly andcoaxially mounted on said first shaft means, second shaft meanslaterally offset from said first shaft meanS and extending insubstantially the same direction as said first shaft means, a series ofsecond rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls,third shaft means laterally offset from said first and second shaftmeans and extending in substantially the same direction as said firstand second shaft means, a series of third rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said third shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to the peripheries of said first and second rolls toreceive a workpiece to be straightened, said first and second and thirdrolls including resilient plastic peripheries, both said first andsecond series of rolls comprising alternating rolls of first and seconddiameter with said rolls of said first diameter being slightly largerthan the rolls of said second diameter, and said rolls of said firstdiameter of said first series being positioned in opposition to saidrolls of said second diameter of said second series and said rolls ofsaid first diameter of said second series being positioned in oppositionto said rolls of said second diameter of said first series.
 5. A machinefor straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth in claim 4including composite rolls on at least two of said shafts in oppositionto each other, said composite rolls have portions of said smallerdiameter located in opposition to portions of said larger diameter.
 6. Amachine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth in claim 5wherein said first, second, third and composite rolls are fabricatedsubstantially entirely of plastic.
 7. A machine for straightening anelongated workpiece comprising a base, first shaft means mounted on saidbase, a series of first rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on saidfirst shaft means, second shaft means laterally offset from said firstshaft means and extending in substantially the same direction as saidfirst shaft means, a series of second rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said second shaft means with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to said first rolls, third shaft means laterally offsetfrom said first and second shaft means and extending in substantiallythe same direction as said first and second shaft means, a series ofthird rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said third shaft meanswith their peripheries in contiguous relationship to the peripheries ofsaid first and second rolls to receive a workpiece to be straightened,said first and second and third rolls including resilient plasticperipheries, said plastic peripheries on each of said rolls comprisingan annular tire-like member, axially spaced fourth rolls on said thirdshaft means having conductive outer rims for contacting spaced portionsof a workpiece, and conductor means in engagement with said spacedfourth rims for conducting electricity through a metallic workpiece inengagement therewith.
 8. A machine for straightening an elongatedworkpiece as set forth in claim 7 comprising first adhesive meansbetween said rolls and said annular tire-like members and first cutawayportions in said rolls for admitting adhesive to provide key-likeconnections therebetween, insulating rings between said fourth rims andthe remainder of said fourth rolls, second cutaway portions between saidouter conductive rims and said insulating rings and between saidinsulating rings and said fourth rolls, and second adhesive meansbetween said fourth rims and said insulating rings and the remainder ofsaid fourth rolls with said second adhesive means being received in saidsecond cutaway portions to define key-like connections therewith.
 9. Amachine for straightening an elongated workpiece as set forth in claim 1including gate means effectively located between said first and secondrolls at the outlet portion thereof, motor means coupled to said gatemeans, and control means for selectively energizing said motor means tocause said gAte means to assume a position wherein it receives adischarged workpiece and conveys it in a predetermined path.
 10. Amachine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprising a base, afirst shaft mounted on said base, a series of first rolls spacedly andcoaxially mounted on said first shaft, a second shaft laterally offsetfrom said first shaft and extending in substantially the same directionas said first shaft, a series of second rolls spacedly and coaxiallymounted on said second shaft with their peripheries in contiguousrelationship to said first rolls, a third shaft laterally offset fromsaid first and second shafts and extending in substantially the samedirection as said first and second shafts, a series of third rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said third shaft with theirperipheries in contiguous relationship with said first and second rollsto define an opening between said first and second and third rolls toreceive a workpiece to be straightened, means for driving said thirdrolls toward and away from said first and second rolls to provide anopening for receiving said workpiece and to cause said third rolls tomove into engagement with said workpiece, and yieldable means forbiasing said second rolls toward said first rolls while permitting saidsecond rolls to yield away from said first rolls upon forcing of saidworkpiece through the space therebetween by said third rolls during itsmotion toward said first and second rolls.
 11. A machine forstraightening an elongated workpiece as set forth in claim 10 includingcam means for cyclically causing said second rolls to move toward andaway from said first rolls.
 12. A machine for straightening an elongatedworkpiece as set forth in claim 10 wherein said yieldable meanscomprises a lever pivotally mounted relative to said base means androtatably mounting said second rolls.
 13. A machine for straightening anelongated workpiece as set forth in claim 10 including means for drivingsaid first and second rolls.
 14. A machine for straightening anelongated workpiece as set forth in claim 10 wherein said third shaftmeans are mounted on a second lever, second pivot means for pivotallymounting said second lever relative to said base, and wherein said meansfor driving said third rolls toward and away from said first and secondrolls comprises an eccentric drive mounted relative to said base, linkmeans coupling said eccentric drive to said second lever, and means forvarying the length of said link means to adjust the throw of said thirdrolls.
 15. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece as setforth in claim 12 including stop means for limiting the movement of saidlever in a first direction to thereby determine the spacing between saidsecond and first rolls, and means for adjusting the position of saidstop means thereby to adjust the spacing between said second and firstrolls.
 16. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece comprisinga base, a first shaft mounted on said base, a series of first rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said first shaft, a second shaftlaterally offset from said first shaft and extending in substantiallythe same direction as said first shaft, a series of second rollsspacedly and coaxially mounted on said second shaft with theirperipheries in contiguous relationship to said first rolls, a thirdshaft laterally offset from said first and second shafts and extendingin substantially the same direction as said first and second shafts, aseries of third rolls spacedly and coaxially mounted on said third shaftwith their peripheries in contiguous relationship with said first andsecond rolls to define an opening between said first and second andthird rolls to receive a workpiece to be straightened, means for drivingcertain of said rolls, and comb means extending upwardly between certainof said rolls for combing out any workpieces which may become jammedtherebetween.
 17. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece assEt forth in claim 10 wherein said comb means extend between said firstand second rolls.
 18. A machine for straightening an elongated workpiececomprising a base, a plurality of adjacent shaft means mounted insubstantially parallel relationship on said base, spaced roll meansmounted in coaxial relationship on said shaft means with the peripheriesof said roll means on said adjacent shaft means being in contiguousrelationship to each other to receive a workpiece therebetween, saidroll means including resilient plastic peripheries, axially spacedadditional roll means on certain of said shaft means having conductiveouter rims for contacting spaced portions of a workpiece, and conductormeans in engagement with said outer rims for conducting electricitythrough said workpiece in engagement therewith.